Never Used An Architect Before?

If
you’ve never used an architect before the whole idea can be a bit daunting.
This page is intended to help answer some of the questions you may have.

What
is an Architect?

Put
simply, if it doesn't say 'Architect' on the label it isn't an architect.

Architectural
means like an architect. So an Architectural Designer/Consultant/Technician
is like an architect but isn't one. Architects are by law properly
qualified, registered, regulated, continually trained and properly insured.
The law governing the registration of Architects exists to safeguard you,
the client.

The
use of the title ‘architect’ is protected actively under the Architects’
Act 1997 by Architect's Registration Board (ARB). If you are in any doubt
whether your advisor is a registered architect or a chartered member of the
RIAS or RIBA, contact the ARB (www.arb.org) or the RIAS membership department.
Tel: 0131 229 7545.

Architects
who, for whatever reason, are removed from the ARB's register may resort to
using the title Architectural. If your designer isn't using the title
'Architect' you should ask why.

Before
a
person can be called an Architect he or she will have completed a seven-year
course in the design, specification and erection of buildings - including several years
of real experience - and will have passed the professional practice examination
which is the final stage of the training.

This
permits entry to the list of UK Architects held by the Architects’
Registration Board (ARB), and use of the title ‘Architect’. Thereafter, application can
be made to one or both of the chartered professional bodies listed below which
entitle members to use the term ‘chartered architect’ and the
following initials: ARIAS / FRIAS: Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland;
RIBA: Royal Institute of British Architects.

A
chartered architect is obliged to uphold the reputation of the architectural
profession and fellow professionals; to carry out work on behalf of clients
honourably, independently and efficiently; and to declare any interest which
might conflict with the status of an independent consultant architect. Registered
architects are required to keep their professional skills up to date by regular
training and are required to carry professional indemnity insurance so that
their clients always have a safety net to rely on if their architect makes
a costly mistake.

What
is an Architectural Technician?

Architectural
Technicians are specialists in the application of technology to architecture,
building design and construction. Technicians are an integral part of an architectural
design service, working alongside architects, engineers, surveyors and other
professionals within the construction industry.

Like
most practices EKJN sometimes employ highly qualified Technicians to assist
the Architects in their work. All our work, however, is fully supervised and
monitored by registered and chartered Architects.

What
is an Architectural Technologist?

Architectural
Technologists provide architectural design services and solutions, and are
specialists in providing a link between concept and construction. Chartered
members of the CIAT may practice on
their own or with fellow chartered Architects or engineers and other members
of the construction industry.

What is an Architectural Consultant?

The
word ‘Architectural’ is not governed by the law that controls
the title ‘Architect’. Designers calling themselves ‘Architectural’
specialists may be highly experienced professionals, but some are not and
clients will need to make their own checks. Some may be former architects
who have been removed from the register. Others may be students of architecture
who have not yet not completed their training. If in doubt contact the ARB
or RIAS.

Why
should I use an Architect?

A
client centred service, value for money, freedom from worry, and help with
achieving an imaginative design are just some of the reasons why using a chartered
architect makes sense. The RIAS (Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland)
have produced an excellent leaflet that answers this question.

An
architect’s job is to design an original and individual building for
each client. Each project is unique with a different site, a different set
of criteria and a different budget. Some clients require more of an architect’s
services than others. For these reasons Architects’ fees vary from project
to project.

An
architect's fees are a small part of the overall cost of a building project
and the construction cost of a building is a small part of the overall cost
of owning, running and maintaining the building throughout its life. Our mission
is to save you more than the cost of our fees by adding extra market value
to the building through good design, by reducing the running costs of the
building through careful detailing and by reducing the cost of constructing
the building through good project management. Clients who attempt to save
money by using inexperienced designers can find that the downside is substantially
higher costs throughout the rest of the process. Don't take risks with your
investment. Good advice is worth paying for.

For
small, complicated projects the fees can be 16% of the construction cost or
more. For larger projects with a straight-forward content the fees may be
3% or less.

For
most domestic projects the fees for a full architectural service are between
10% and 14% of the construction cost, with discounts available for a reduced
package of services. Fixed fees can be agreed for most small commissions.

The
Royal Institute of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) used to publish guidance
on fees. Although no longer published most architects still refer to the old
guidance as a starting point for calculating their fees. It's never easy to
calculate the cost of designing something unique, something that's never been
designed before, but somehow we manage to do it!

What Local Authority Approvals will I need?

Most
people know that they need Planning permission before they can build (although
some buildings don’t). However, some people aren’t aware that
they also need Building Warrant approval – an entirely separate department
in the Council. Some projects also need Listed Building Consent, Fire Officer
approval, Liquor Licensing approval and so on. EKJN can give you all the advice
you need.

I don’t really understand technical drawings, can you
help?

We
often get asked by clients to make a model of their building. This really
helps to visualise how the finished scheme will look, how it relates to the
surroundings, and how the internal spaces will work. A physical model is also
great for explaining your proposals to interested parties, like neighbours,
or community groups. We can also create 3D computer models in addition to
the usual technical drawings if requested.

What if something goes wrong?

Architects
are required to carry Professional Indemnity (PI) Insurance to cover their
professional work. PI insurance ensures that an architect can always afford
to compensate his/her client if necessary if he/she makes a serious mistake.
It isn't a warranty scheme - you need NHBC or similar for that - but it provides
a degree of certainty that things can be sorted out in the event that something
goes badly wrong. PI cover varies from £250,000 minimum up to £5
million or more, depending on a practice’s workload. Details of EKJN’s
PI cover can be provided on request.